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Brazil vs Morocco Prediction & Match Preview: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C
Brazil take on Morocco in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C opener at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday, 13 June 2026, with kick-off at 06:00 SAST. Carlo Ancelotti’s five-time world champions face a Morocco side carrying serious momentum after an outstanding recent run.
Match details
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Group C opener |
| Date & kick-off | Saturday, 13 June 2026, 06:00 SAST |
| Venue | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA |
| Group | Group C |
The context: Brazil’s hunger, Morocco’s momentum
It is 24 years since Brazil last won the World Cup. For the most successful nation in tournament history, that is more than a statistic — it is the pressure point behind this campaign.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side arrive with recent encouragement after warm-up wins over Croatia, Panama and Egypt. Brazil scored 11 goals across those three matches and conceded four, showing signs of attacking rhythm before the tournament begins. librea.one
There are still questions, though. Brazil’s CONMEBOL qualifying campaign was not entirely convincing, with the Selecao finishing fifth after six defeats in 18 matches. For a nation with Brazil’s standards, that is enough to keep the pressure firmly on, even with the quality available throughout the squad.
Morocco, meanwhile, arrive as genuine contenders rather than romantic outsiders. Since the start of 2023, they have won 33 of 45 matches and lost only twice. They are ranked seventh in the world and remain one of the most consistent international teams of the last few years.
Their run to the semi-finals at Qatar 2022 changed how the football world views them. This is now a side with major tournament experience, defensive discipline, tactical identity and high-level players in key positions.
Achraf Hakimi remains one of the most dynamic fullbacks in world football, while Sofyan Amrabat gives Morocco control and aggression in midfield. Brahim Diaz adds creativity and technical quality in attack.
There are injury concerns, with Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli ruled out before the tournament, while Noussair Mazraoui is a doubt. Even so, Morocco’s squad depth gives them more resilience than most African sides have had at previous World Cups.
This Group C opener sets the tone for both teams. Brazil will want to make a statement early. Morocco will look to frustrate, absorb pressure and punish spaces on the break.
Team news
Brazil are without right-back Wesley, who suffered a muscle injury against Egypt and has been ruled out of the tournament. Ancelotti has tested alternatives in training, with Danilo and Roger Ibanez among the more likely options to cover the position.
Alisson is expected to start in goal, with Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back. Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes should provide the midfield base, while Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius Junior offer creativity and threat further forward.
The main attacking selection question is at striker, where Ancelotti must choose between Matheus Cunha, Endrick and Igor Thiago.
Brazil expected XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha.
Morocco are without Aguerd and Ezzalzouli, while Mazraoui’s availability remains uncertain. Hakimi and Brahim Diaz are expected to be central to Morocco’s attacking approach, with Amrabat anchoring midfield.
El Khannouss, Ounahi and Saibari give Morocco technical quality between the lines, while Yassine Bounou provides experience and authority in goal.
Morocco expected XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss.
Key stats
- Brazil are five-time World Cup champions.
- Brazil are ranked fifth in the world.
- Brazil won their three pre-tournament warm-up matches against Croatia, Panama and Egypt.
- Brazil scored 11 goals across those three warm-up matches.
- Brazil’s recent form: W D L W W W.
- Morocco are ranked seventh in the world.
- Morocco have won 33 of 45 matches since January 2023.
- Morocco have lost only twice since January 2023.
- Morocco’s recent form: W D W W W D.
- Brazil are without Wesley through injury.
- Morocco are without Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli, while Noussair Mazraoui is doubtful.
- Morocco beat Brazil 2-1 in a friendly in March 2023.
- Brazil lead the overall head-to-head record 2-1.
- This is the first competitive meeting between Brazil and Morocco.
Head-to-head
Brazil and Morocco have met three times before. Brazil have won twice, while Morocco won the most recent meeting, a 2-1 friendly victory in March 2023.
This World Cup Group C fixture will be their first competitive meeting. That adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially given Morocco’s recent rise and Brazil’s need to start strongly under Ancelotti.
Our prediction
Brazil have the stronger squad and the greater attacking depth, but this is not a comfortable opening fixture. Morocco are organised, confident and experienced enough to make life difficult for any opponent.
The key battle may be whether Morocco can limit Brazil’s wide threat. Vinicius Junior and Raphinha can turn tight matches with individual quality, while Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes give Brazil control and invention in midfield.
Morocco will not be passive. Hakimi’s pace, Amrabat’s midfield presence and Diaz’s creativity give them a clear route into the game, especially if Brazil commit numbers forward.
The absence of Aguerd is significant for Morocco’s defensive structure, particularly against Brazil’s movement and speed in the final third. That could be where the game tilts.
Brazil should have enough quality to edge it, but Morocco are capable of making this a close and uncomfortable opener.
Prediction: Brazil to win a tight Group C contest at 1.66.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Brazil vs Morocco kick off in South Africa?
Brazil vs Morocco kicks off at 06:00 SAST on Saturday, 13 June 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
What is the Brazil vs Morocco head-to-head record?
Brazil lead the overall series 2-1. Morocco won the most recent meeting, a 2-1 friendly victory in March 2023. This World Cup Group C match will be their first competitive meeting.
Who is Brazil’s coach at World Cup 2026?
Brazil are coached by Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian manager who has won the UEFA Champions League five times with three different clubs.
Where is Brazil vs Morocco being played?
The match is being played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.
What group are Brazil and Morocco in?
Brazil and Morocco are in Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Who are the key players for Brazil vs Morocco?
Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Casemiro and Alisson are key players for Brazil. Morocco’s key players include Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Brahim Diaz and Yassine Bounou.
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Le Café des Sports : le Mexique a lancé son Mondial
Rendez-vous dès 16h10 TU sur RFI, YouTube et Facebook Live. Le Mexique a lancé son Mondial, Toronto se prépare pour l’entrée du Canada, New York attend le Brésil… et vos Cartons du vendredi seront aussi au menu. Au sommaire : Mexico, premier verdict. Mexique / Afrique du Sud : 2-0 ; Corée du Sud / République tchèque : 2-1. Après la fête, que disent déjà le terrain et les premiers résultats du groupe A ?
Jannik Sinner reigns at record-breaking Monte‑Carlo Masters
Before Sunday’s Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters final, the last time that tennis’s biggest two rivals had met on clay was a year ago.
That was, the 2025 Roland Garros final, when world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz and world No 2 Jannik Sinner fought neck and neck in a long, drawn-out epic battle lasting a whopping five hours and 29 minutes, eventually clinched by Alcaraz.
Winning streak
The Spaniard also walked on court Rainier III on Sunday as the reigning Monte-Carlo champion, as well as leading their head-to-head rivalry (10-6, and more impressively, 4-1 on clay).
Having been on a formidable 17-match winning streak on clay, one could safely say that this was Alcaraz’s chosen surface.
But on Sunday, he struggled with the elements, as the unpredictability of the blustery wind affected his serve and shot selection, allowing his biggest rival, Sinner, to seal a straight-sets victory (7-6, 6-3), in two hours and 15 minutes.
In doing so, the Italian will reclaim the No 1 ranking from the Spaniard, Alcaraz, who acknowledged Sinner’s increasing dominance on clay, at his post-match press conference.
“We have seen Jannik’s level on clay, and I think he’s been improving a lot year by year. I think he’s reaching a level on clay that is going to be really dangerous for everybody”.
Took control
The Italian 24-year-old took control of the match from the baseline.
The first set was a showcase of backhands, as tennis’s two biggest rivals fought backhand to backhand, which Sinner capitalised on, thanks to a baseline offense game.
The turning point in the match came in the first set tie-break, when Sinner’s first serve accuracy didn’t abandon him, even in the wind.
“I was serving well in the important moments in the first set. You know, in the tiebreak, I was very very accurate”.
The first set was tightly contested, culminating in a tie-break.
But the Spaniard faced his real test at set-point, when, clearly struggling with the wind conditions, he double faulted, thereafter giving his opponent an opportunity to capitalise.
Unforced errors took over
The second set started off well for the defending champion, who was leading until unforced errors took over.
Sinner was too strong and too consistent, powering through to clinch his first ever Masters 1000 on clay.
It has been a particularly impressive a milestone for Sinner, given the short transition from the US hard courts, having won the Miami Masters just two weeks prior, to conquering the first Masters of the year on clay.
After lifting the Miami trophy, Sinner took only two days off before launching into an intense clay‑court training block.
Sinner’s coach Simone Vagnozzi revealed to press that preparation centred on refining Sinner’s sliding, a key adjustment when moving from hard courts to clay.
The team also prioritised increased spin, varied serve trajectories, and the use of angles and drop shots.
Sinner continues to make history.
Joined elite club
In adding the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters to his titles together with Indian Wells and Miami, he becomes the first man since Novak Djokovic in 2015, to win the season’s first 3 Masters 1000 events.
As the 2026 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters comes to an end, the tournament has been an overwhelming success having itself made history.
Tournament Director, David Massey told press on the final day that for the first time in its history, there had been record attendance figures, with all tickets having sold out in advance, from the first day of qualifying to the final.
In previous years, tickets had been available to buy online up until the first Saturday, but this year had been exceptional.
“For the first time in the history of our tournament, we were sold out, including the first day of qualifying, which is a delight for this event”.
Around 155 000 seats had been sold over the nine days of the tournament, which headlined the world No 1, 2 and 3 players among others, notably a fairytale run for local hero Valentin Vacherot, whose ranking catapulted to world No 23, from being world No 256 just a year ago.
Fitting finale
His deep run up to the semi-finals was a proud moment for Monegasques, having been the first Monegasque in the Open Era to reach both the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the tournament, and on his local home court, in front of Albert II, Prince of Monaco.
It was a fitting finale for the tournament to see the world No 1 and world No 2 contest the championship.
Once again, Alcaraz and Sinner underlined their dominance, confirming a duopoly that, for now, appears beyond challenge.
Whether that balance is poised to shift remains to be seen – the season has only just begun.
Amisha Savani is reporting exclusively for The South African from the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
CNOSG : Elhadj Ben Daouda Nansoko reconduit à la présidence pour un nouveau mandat
Le Comité national olympique et sportif de Guinée (CNOSG) a tenu sa 16e Assemblée générale élective ce vendredi 12 juin 2026 dans un réceptif de la capitale. À l’issue des travaux, Elhadj Ben Daouda Nansoko a été reconduit à la tête de l’institution pour un nouveau mandat de quatre ans.
Les fédérations présentes à ce congrès ont renouvelé leur confiance au bureau sortant, dirigé par Ben Daouda Nansoko, afin de poursuivre les chantiers engagés pour le développement du sport guinéen.
Avant le scrutin, le ministre de la Jeunesse et des Sports, Cellou Baldé, a procédé à l’ouverture officielle de l’assemblée. Dans son intervention, il a rappelé le rôle complémentaire du ministère et du mouvement olympique dans la promotion du sport en Guinée.
« C’est avec un sentiment de profonde responsabilité et de fierté que je prends la parole aujourd’hui à l’occasion de ce congrès qui marque une étape importante dans la vie sportive de notre nation. Le sport, au-delà de la compétition, est un vecteur de cohésion sociale, d’éducation et de rayonnement international. Le rôle du ministère des Sports est de définir une politique nationale claire, de soutenir les fédérations, de promouvoir la pratique sportive à la base et de faire en sorte que chaque citoyen trouve dans le sport un espace d’épanouissement. Il est indispensable que notre comité olympique soit professionnel et organisé. Un comité fort et crédible inspire confiance aux partenaires, attire des soutiens financiers et techniques et, surtout, donne aux athlètes les moyens de réaliser leurs rêves », a déclaré Cellou Baldé.
Réélu à la présidence du CNOSG, Elhadj Ben Daouda Nansoko a salué la confiance renouvelée des fédérations sportives nationales. Il a également évoqué les principaux défis qui attendent son équipe au cours des quatre prochaines années.
« Je voudrais exprimer ma profonde gratitude aux différentes fédérations nationales qui viennent de me renouveler leur confiance pour présider aux destinées du sport guinéen. Je mesure pleinement l’importance de la mission qui m’est confiée ainsi que les attentes placées en notre nouvelle équipe. Ce mandat que nous entamons sera placé sous le signe de l’humanisme, de la performance, de la bonne gouvernance et de la solidarité. Nous renforcerons l’accompagnement institutionnel, administratif et financier des fédérations sportives nationales. Nous poursuivrons également les programmes de formation destinés aux dirigeants […] Une attention particulière sera accordée à la préparation et à l’encadrement de nos athlètes », a indiqué le président réélu.
À l’issue du vote des 36 délégués, Elhadj Ben Daouda Nansoko a donc été reconduit à la présidence du Comité national olympique et sportif de Guinée pour les quatre prochaines années.
Le nouveau bureau du CNOSG
- Président : Ben Daouda Nansoko
- 1er vice-président : Colonel Moustapha Diané
- 2e vice-président : Général Mamadouba Paye Camara
- 3e vice-présidente : Aïssatou Thiam
- 4e vice-président : Dr Bambé Sacko
- Secrétaire général : Ansoumane Soumah
- Secrétaire général adjoint : Oumar Condé
- Trésorier général : Maître Cheick Condé
- Trésorière générale adjointe : Mariam Laïla Béavogui
- Membres : Madani Camara, Mohamed Camara
Hassatou Abdoulaye Bah pour Africasport.org
The post CNOSG : Elhadj Ben Daouda Nansoko reconduit à la présidence pour un nouveau mandat appeared first on AFRICASPORT.ORG.
Laura Wolvaardt Says Belief Is Growing as Proteas Women Open World Cup Bid
South Africa carry real expectation into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with captain Laura Wolvaardt and head coach Mandla Mashimbyi adamant the side now has the belief to turn near misses into a maiden title, as the Proteas Women open their campaign against Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on Saturday, 13 June 2026.
After reaching the final in 2023 and again in 2024 without lifting the trophy, the Proteas Women travel to England as a team being spoken about, for the first time, as a genuine contender. Wolvaardt said the change in mood back home had altered the feel of this campaign.
“In previous editions it almost felt like a bit of a surprise when we got in the final, and we never really went into the tournament as any kind of favourites,” Wolvaardt said.
“But this time, especially back at home, it feels like a sense that people want us to go all the way and to win the World Cup.”
Proteas Women Captain, Laura Wolvaardt
Rather than weighing on the group, she said the expectation had hardened its self-belief. “It’s also kind of given the group a sense of belief that if all these people are saying we can actually win the comp, then surely we can,” she said. “I think the group really believes that we have the talent in the room to win the tournament.”
Mashimbyi, leading the side at a global tournament for the first time, has framed the challenge around the Proteas Women writing their own story rather than measuring themselves against more decorated rivals.
“Teams like Australia, England, West Indies, they’re trying to protect their history. We want to create history. They’re protecting their legacy. We want to create legacy.”
Proteas Women Head Coach, Mandla Mashimbyi
He was unmoved by outside opinion on where his team ranks. “You can’t blame a person thinking that we’re not the favourites because other teams have done it and we still haven’t done it,” Mashimbyi said. “So we need to change that narrative. And the only way to change that narrative is to make sure that we go all the way this time around.”
The opener pits South Africa against an Australian side that, while no longer reigning champions in either white-ball format, remains the benchmark. Wolvaardt was clear-eyed about the task. “I think we’re going to have to play some very good cricket to beat them,” she said. “I’m sure they haven’t really won World Cups recently, but I think they’re still pretty good and they’ve got all bases covered, so we’ve got to be at the top of our game.”
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Mashimbyi declined to read anything into Australia’s recent results. “All I know is that Australia is a world-class team,” he said. “Whether they’re going through a transition or not, I don’t care. I just want to make sure that our girls believe that they can beat them.”
Preparation has centred on adapting to English conditions, which both coach and captain expect to differ markedly from home. “You don’t normally get quick wickets in England,” Mashimbyi said. “If you’re used to playing cricket in Australia and South Africa, you can’t expect the same type of conditions here.” To assist, the management has brought in a locally based coach, Johan Myburgh, whose knowledge of English grounds Wolvaardt said had already proved valuable in planning bowling changes and reading conditions.
The build-up included warm-up fixtures against Australia and New Zealand, the latter offering what Wolvaardt described as a timely jolt. “I think we were in a position to probably win that game and then let it slip a little bit with the ball,” she said. “Sometimes it’s good to have a game like that pre-tournament just to wake you up a little bit before the real thing.”
Much of the attention has fallen on the bowling, where the return of Shabnim Ismail, alongside fellow senior recalls Marizanne Kapp and Dané van Niekerk, has lifted the group. Wolvaardt said Ismail had slotted straight back in. “It sort of feels like she’s never left,” she said. “She’s still bowling nice and quick as well, so having her as an option in the power play is going to be very nice for me as a captain. To have her opening the bowling is going to be awesome in this tournament.”
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Wolvaardt has carried strong form into the tournament, which she puts down to a more positive approach. “I’ve just lately tried to be a bit more brave with the bat,” she said.
“The more positive you are, sometimes things just go your way.”
With a settled captain, a coach the group plainly trusts and a strengthened attack, the Proteas Women begin a pool campaign that takes them from Manchester to Birmingham, then on to meet India, the Netherlands and Bangladesh. The message from the camp is one game at a time, but the belief underneath it is unmistakable.
The Proteas Women Squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales
Laura Wolvaardt (captain, Fidelity Titans)
Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions)
Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers)
Shabnim Ismail (DP World Lions)
Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions)
Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions)
Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans)
Karabo Meso (DP World Lions)
Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions)
Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
Dané van Niekerk (World Sports Betting Western Province)
The Proteas Women Group Fixtures at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales
Sat 13 June, 15h30: South Africa vs. Australia (Old Trafford, Manchester)
Wed 17 June, 19h30: South Africa vs. Pakistan (Edgbaston, Birmingham)
Sun 21 June, 15h30: South Africa vs. India (Old Trafford, Manchester)
Thu 25 June, 19h30: South Africa vs. Netherlands (Bristol County Ground, Bristol)
Sun 28 June, 11h30: South Africa vs. Bangladesh (Lord’s, London)
All times are SAST.
Main Photo Caption: Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt leads South Africa into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as the side chases a maiden title, with belief growing in the camp after back-to-back final appearances, at the Captain’s Carnival at Waterloo Bridge in London, England, on 8 June 2026. All Photos: Cricket SA
Photo 2 Caption: Laura Wolvaardt trains as she backs the Proteas Women’s belief that the talent in the room can win the T20 World Cup.
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